Réinsertion

Réinsertion, or social reintegration, is the process and set of policies aimed at enabling individuals—especially those who are marginalized or recently released from incarceration—to re-enter and participate in society. The goal is to restore social bonds, improve employability, and reduce reliance on social supports by achieving stable housing, employment, education, health care, and civic participation.

Scope: While often discussed in the context of former prisoners, réinsertion also covers other groups facing exclusion, including long-term unemployed, migrants, or people with mental health or substance use challenges.

Key components: Individualized assessment and action plans; access to housing; education and job training; employment services and supported work; health care and substance abuse or mental health treatment; social and family support; legal assistance and advocacy; and opportunities for community engagement and ongoing case management.

Policy instruments and actors: Government ministries and local authorities, probation or parole services, social services, NGOs, employers, and housing providers coordinate through case-management approaches, contracts for reintegration, and funded programs.

Outcomes and evaluation: Success is typically measured by recidivism rates, sustained employment and earnings, housing stability, and social participation. Challenges include stigma, funding constraints, fragmented services, and variable inter-agency cooperation; effective réinsertion often requires coordinated, long-term support rather than short-term interventions.

Global context: Approaches vary by country, with some prioritizing rapid placement in work (work-first) and others emphasizing comprehensive, long-term support (holistic or rehabilitation-focused). Evidence suggests integrated programs that combine employment services with health and social support yield better results, though outcomes differ by population and program design.